Skincare Myths Debunked
Should oily skin avoid oil? Does makeup cause breakouts?
These are just some of the questions that we are frequently asked at Pure + simple. While most of us agree that moisturizing is important for our skin, there are still many commonly-held misconceptions that are passed on from one person to another. Since it’s April Fool’s Day today, we thought we would set the record straight so you can avoid being tricked by these skincare myths.
Myth #1: If skin doesn’t feel tight after cleansing, it’s not clean.
Many clients have expressed this to us over the years, and it’s not hard to see why. As skincare enthusiasts, we want to do what’s best for our skin, which means giving it our 100%. Many of us look for indicators that our job has been done. In this case, tighter skin after cleansing makes us feel like we’ve cleaned every nook and cranny of our face. But that is precisely the problem: when our skin feels tight, it means that we have stripped it of its natural oils and moisture. This can cause breakouts and dehydration, as our skin is now more susceptible to damage without its natural balance of oils to protect it. Our solution? Use a gentle cleanser that will clean your pores without depleting your skin’s moisture.
Myth #2: Serums don’t really make a difference on the skin.
Serums are lauded for their light texture and ability to penetrate deep into the skin’s layers. But don’t let its water-like consistency fool you and make you think that it’s too light to make a difference. The reality is that serums are often the key to improving many skin concerns, as they are packed with potent ingredients that can get right into the skin, unlike lotions and creams which tend to stay on the upper levels of our skin to protect it. One of our favourite serums for reducing and calming breakouts is our Pure Skin Face Serum, which is loaded with purifying ingredients such as Black Cumin Seed Oil and Tea Tree Oil. The trick to achieving results with a serum is to use it consistently. You may not see an immediate difference, but in the long run, you’ll notice that your skin is more hydrated and balanced overall. Some serums, like our Collagen Elastin HCH and Collagen Elastin Plus, even offer anti-aging benefits!
Myth #3: Face oils cause skin to break out.
We hear this a lot from our acne-prone clients who are worried that oils will aggravate their skin. While this may be true with some oils (petroleum-based mineral oils, for example), using an all-natural oil can help regulate your skin’s oil production and reduce breakouts. In fact, in some cases, adding an oil to your routine can make a huge difference. Here’s why: our skin is designed to keep itself lubricated and protected. When it is dehydrated, it overcompensates by producing more oil. But when we add an oil to our routine, our skin no longer needs to overproduce oil, causing it to become more balanced. Plus, some products such as our Sensitive Skin Face Oil contain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredients to help calm aggravated skin types.
Myth #4: Makeup causes breakouts.
One advantage of using all-natural mineral makeup instead of traditional cosmetics is that it does not contain drying or aggravating additives such as corn starch, talc, or mineral oils. Because mineral makeup is free of these irritating and pore-clogging ingredients, it is less likely that it will cause skin to break out. In fact, mineral makeup products can actually help calm inflammation and reduce acne as many of them contain zinc, which is a natural anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and sunblock. However, personal sensitivities can still cause discomfort to individuals, so it’s always good practice to read the ingredients list before trying a new product. If you’re looking for a new makeup brand to try, our personal favourites are Jane Iredale and Pure + simple.
It’s easy to be swept up by skincare myths and rumours, but we hope this blog helped debunk some common misconceptions. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
